Who uses what for ride tracking?

[PotomacCyclist]

SportTracks and Garmin 305. It’s simple to download the data to the computer and the SportTracks program. I can look at a map of my route if I want to. (I like learning about new neighborhoods and out-of-the-way locations in the D.C. region.)

I don’t use any online services other than for various contests and bike challenges (Endomondo, Clif Bar). I added my rides manually for those challenges last year.

I used MapMyRun for running and cycling a few years ago. That was a complete pain. It was incredibly tedious. I didn’t have a GPS unit then. Is there a way to download GPS data to MapMyRide? Not that I would use it, since I don’t care too much about online tracking.

I also used to keep a text-based training log for swim, bike, run and strength workouts. I would actually type up notes after every workout. I would add a brief description of the route I took on the bike or run. I continued to do that for a while, even after I got the Garmin and started using SportTracks. Then I realized how pointless and tedious that was. So now I just use SportTracks on the computer.

[eminva]

You did forget one, which is ye olde basic trip computer. For several years this was all I used. I would write down the odometer reading at the beginning of each year, so simple.

When I got a smart phone, I got Cyclemeter, which was great, but eventually I realized the mileage readings were wildly inaccurate, so I switched to the Strava smart phone app.

Now I have a Garmin and use Strava for my routine tracking. I like the easy interface and social aspects of it.

I have used Endomondo for various challenges and am not crazy about it, for reasons discussed previously on this forum.

Liz

[Mantadiver]

I use a Garmin Edge 500 and I use Bikejournal.com. I like Bikejournal.com because I also track non GPS rides on it, as well as multiple bikes and I can input when I changed ties or a cassette. I also use Strava.

[Dirt]

I have a garmin Edge800 and 705.
I track my rides on Strava
I plan and map my rides on RideWithGPS

[TwoWheelsDC]

What Pete said…only I don’t have a 705.

Strava is great all-around, but I like being able to see how I stack up against other riders, as I think it spurs a competitive drive that is hard to duplicate if you’re just looking at your own performance.

RideWithGPS was a revelation for me, especially paired with the Edge 800…makes it much easier to explore new routes and find new hills to climb, even in areas I ride often.

[consularrider]

I have a Garmin Edge 500 and daily log/upload to the following:
garminconnect.com,
Stava.com,
Bikejournal.com
Endomondo.com,
Thepresidentscallenge.org, and
Plus3Network.com (a site where what I log gets a charity donation)

When there are various challenges I may also use:
RidewithGPS.com,
Mapmyride.com,
2milechallenge.com,
and during Bike to Work Month, commuterchallenge.cascade.org.

With all that and work, when do I find time to ride?

[MV Clyde]

Garmin 800 (lost my 705)
RubiTrack on my Mac
Sometimes Strava or Garmin Connect
RideWithGPS for creating routes

[vvill]

I’ve made Strava my main logging site.
Until late last year I was also logging on Garmin Connect and RideWithGPS.
I have a spreadsheet as well.

Like others, I use ridewithgps for the mapping features. I’ve also used bikely before for mapping rides.

For the odd challenge I will use endomondo if I must. I’ve also used mapmyride once or twice and also don’t like that interface.

[OneEighth]

I just ride.
Can’t even count cadence right now because I leave the watch at home when I switch to winter gloves.
Be (happy).

[ronwalf]

I’m down to using Strava and Golden Cheetah (the 3.0 development builds). Golden Cheetah lets me own my data locally, instead of relying on someone else’s website. It also has decent analysis tools (and it’s free).

[Justin Antos]

My phone is my tracker. I now use Strava.

After using Cyclemeter for 1.5 years, I recently switched to Strava (prompted by Freezing Saddles) and really like it so far. CycleMeter was great at tracking my progress, but Strava adds the ability to see and talk about other people’s rides – which I find both inspirational and a great way to learn about new routes around the city.

[PeteD]

Garmin 500, and all activities get uploaded to Garmin Connect, Endomondo, and Training Peaks. All Rides go on Strava and Ridewithgps.com, as there’s no need to put weight training and non-on-a-real-bike workouts there.

[Tim Kelley]

Garmin 310xt for running, and an 800 for riding. I use the Strava android app when I’m out in the field scoping out segments.

I’ve always keep a Excel spreadsheet to track total for swimming, biking, running and body fat percentage.

I started with MapMyRide about 5 years ago when I first started riding to work and it was the only game in town. I then moved to SportsTracks to analyze rides more in depth. Then I really only started tracking recreational rides in a program. Once I got a power meter I dropped SportsTracks because it didn’t really support power well. I now use WKO+ to track all recreational rides and Training Peaks to schedule workouts and share metrics while working with a coach. I like RideWithGPS to scope out new routes and to plan rides and export ride navigation files.

I’ve used NuRide and Endomondo for various challenges, but don’t really like either. I put stuff worth sharing up on Strava.

[Dirt]

@OneEighth 39710 wrote:

I just ride.
Be (happy).
Last edited by OneEighth; 01-05-2013 at 07:06 PM. Reason: I understand the data addiction. As long as that’s good for you—then, good for you. Ride on!

Totally good points. Definitely just riding is a really good thing and always an option. When the rides get longer, and the temps are colder, it is sometimes a safety issue to have good information and a working GPS. For me, the Garmin 705 and later the 800 when combined with RideWithGPS.com or MapMyRide.com really opened up a lot of doors for me. Those combined with Potomac Pedalers cue sheet database made it pretty easy to find an interesting ride, do a little map clicking, then dump that down to the GPS and I’m able to SAFELY lead a group ride in a place where I’ve never ridden. If something unexpected comes up, I have what I need to deal with the situation and make sure everyone gets home safely.

Having some data helps me realistically gauge how long a particular event is going to take me, or if it is even in the realm of possibility for me.

Without some good data and a means to deliver it on the fly, I’d be doing TONS of these long rides pretty much solo, since I wouldn’t feel comfortable subjecting others to the unknown without much of a safety net. In the heat and the cold information helps with safety.

[Greenbelt]

@Dirt 39808 wrote:

Totally good points. Definitely just riding is a really good thing and always an option. When the rides get longer, and the temps are colder, it is sometimes a safety issue to have good information and a working GPS. For me, the Garmin 705 and later the 800 when combined with RideWithGPS.com or MapMyRide.com really opened up a lot of doors for me. Those combined with Potomac Pedalers cue sheet database made it pretty easy to find an interesting ride, do a little map clicking, then dump that down to the GPS and I’m able to SAFELY lead a group ride in a place where I’ve never ridden. If something unexpected comes up, I have what I need to deal with the situation and make sure everyone gets home safely.

Having some data helps me realistically gauge how long a particular event is going to take me, or if it is even in the realm of possibility for me.

Without some good data and a means to deliver it on the fly, I’d be doing TONS of these long rides pretty much solo, since I wouldn’t feel comfortable subjecting others to the unknown without much of a safety net. In the heat and the cold information helps with safety.

I so need how to learn how to do all this! I’ve been using my Garmin as a ride tracker, but haven’t started tapping the navigation and information features at all.

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